Taliban impede anti-polio vaccination campaign in Paktika

SHARANA (Pajhwok): The Taliban militants impede anti-polio vaccination campaign in the districts and capital of southeastern Paktika province, health official said on Wednesday.

Wali Gul Kahroti, provincial public health director, said Taliban militants were not allowing an anti-polio drive prepared for launch in the province.

“Taliban banned the drive for unknown reasons and for and uncertain time.” He said, adding they would talk with local tribal elders to mediate and help the problem resolved.

Khudai Dad, a resident of the area said, militants had warned the people not to vaccinate their children. He requested the Taliban to allow the vaccination campaign for the sake of their children’s health.

However, a Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid rejected the claims and said they had no problem with the vaccination campaign. “People themselves oppose the vaccination campaign in some areas, but we are trying to convince them,”

According to Kharoti, about 217,000 children should be vaccinated in Paktika province. Two days ago, a three-day anti-polio campaign started nationwide.